James Thornton (actor)

James Thornton (born 31 October 1975) is an English actor and voice-over artist. He portrayed John Barton in the British soap opera Emmerdale from 2009 to 2012; he previously appeared in the show in 1995.

Personal life
Thornton married the actress Joanna Page in December 2003. They have four children.

Four years before their marriage, they both appeared in the BBC adaptation of the Charles Dickens novel David Copperfield; he as Ham Peggotty, she as Dora Spenlow.

On 13 February 2010 Thornton was hit by a motorist in London and received medical treatment for leg injuries. Emmerdale producers rewrote scenes involving Thornton's character.

Selected filmography

 * 1995: Emmerdale
 * 1998: Among Giants
 * 1999: The Lakes
 * 1999: David Copperfield
 * 2000: Playing the Field
 * 2001, 2003–2004: Red Cap
 * 2003: Between the Sheets
 * 2005: No Angels
 * 2006: Dalziel and Pascoe "A Death in the Family" as Hugh Shadwell
 * 2007: Holby City - Series 9
 * 2008: HolbyBlue
 * 2009–2012: Emmerdale
 * 2014: Stella

Other credits
Thornton has narrated several documentaries including Take Me to the Edge (2008) and The Curse of Oak Island for UK audiences. He appeared as himself in television shows including Loose Women (2009–2012), and Let's Dance for Sports Relief (2011). He has narrated and appeared in the documentary, Benefits By the Sea : Jaywick (2015–2016) and also narrated the documentary series "The Motorway" shown on Channel 5 in the UK.